From a young age, I was taught that faith is not something you simply believe, it is something you live. Proverbs 3:27, "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your own power to act," reflects the way I strive to approach my life every day. To me, this verse is a call to action. It reminds me that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact, and that I have both the responsibility and the opportunity to serve others. I grew up in an Atheist household. Neither of my parents attended church, and neither of them owned a Bible. A cousin of mine, however, introduced me to a local youth group that changed my lifestyle. This youth group, known as SWITCH, emphasized not just attendance, but truly becoming the hands and feet of Christ. Due to the greatness of Jesus, my faith became personal to me and I began to understand that serving others wasn't about recognition; it was about love, obedience, and purpose. Through my youth group and school, I have been given opportunities to grow in that understanding and put it into action. Currently, I serve my community in a variety of ways. Whether it is volunteering at sports events, helping with youth activities, assisting with community outreach, or simply stepping in where help is needed, I try to be someone others can rely on. I have learned that service doesn't always come in big, visible moments; it often shows up in consistency and in being wiling to give your time and heart when it's inconvenient. I take pride in being dependable and in doing my best to make a positive difference, no matter how small the task may seem. Beyond organized volunteering, I also carry this mindset into my everyday life. As a student-athlete involved in activities like volleyball, cheer, and many more, I have learned the importance of leadership, encouragement, and teamwork. I strive to uplift those around me, whether that is supporting a teammate, mentoring someone younger, or simply choosing kindness. Serving others isn't something I turn on and off, it is part of who I am becoming. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in occupational therapy. This path reflects both my passion for helping others and my desire to make a meaningful, hands-on impact in people's lives. I want to work with individuals who are facing physical or developmental challenges and help them regain independence, confidence, and hope. To me, this career is a direct extension of my faith and my commitment to service; it allows me to life out Proverbs 3:27 in a tangible, lifelong way. If I am awarded this scholarship, I will use it to further my education and continue pursuing this calling. Financial support would ease the burden of tuition and allow me to focus thoroughly on my studies, clinical experiences, and service opportunities. More importantly, it would be an investment in my ability to give back on a greater scale. I am ambitious, driven, and deeply committed to making a difference. I don't just want to succeed for myself; I want my success to serve a purpose beyond me. This scholarship would not only support my education but also empower me to continue living out my faith through action, service, and compassion. In everything I do, I strive to remember that when I have the ability to do good, I should never hold it back. Thank you, Avery Jensen

As a child of divorced and struggling parents, I learned to fill the shoes of an adult far too early. My parents separated when I was three, and since then I have lived my life chasing a standard that always seemed just out of reach. As childhood blurred into early adulthood, I became familiar with responsibilities many teenagers never think about: searching for jobs, training seven times a week, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Every decision I made had one purpose: to become the perfect daughter. I wanted to ease my parents’ burdens, to heal the wounds they carried, and to make them proud of the person they had raised. Yet in the pursuit of perfection, I slowly lost sight of something just as important: my own happiness and peace. The most important transformation in my life did not happen in a classroom, on a stage, or at a competition; it happened quietly in my heart the day I realized I was no longer walking alone. When I entered high school as a freshman, I felt completely lost. I struggled deeply with my identity and with the reality of a broken home. However, my perspective on life changed when I received a message from my cousin. SWITCH is a youth group in Saint Francis, Kansas. My cousin Kaylee attended this youth group and asked me to join her. I didn’t know it then, but that invitation would alter the course of my life. After hearing about Jesus for the first time, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort. This feeling healed me in ways I couldn’t explain and increased my hunger to learn more. Step by step, I slowly began to learn more about Jesus and what He had done for us. This discovery didn’t only take over my curiosity, but also my identity. Finding Jesus brought me to the realization that I don’t need to be perfect to be loved. Jesus loves me despite my sins, my failures, and my imperfections. Because of this journey, my relationship with Jesus now shapes every step of my educational path. Faith reminds me that education is not only about personal success, but also about serving others with the knowledge and opportunities I receive. As I continue into higher education, I plan to carry the same values that transformed my life: perseverance, humility, and compassion. When challenges arise, I will remember that growth often begins in moments of uncertainty. Faith gives me the courage to trust in His plan and strive for His purpose rather than my own. My relationship with Jesus has also motivated me to become someone who creates the same sense of belonging that changed my life. Just as Jesus Christ wrapped His arms around me when I felt lost, I hope to encourage and support others who may feel unseen or discouraged. Education gives us knowledge, but faith gives us purpose. Together, they allow us to impact lives far beyond our own. Looking back, I realize that my faith journey did not begin when everything was perfect; it began when everything felt broken. Yet through faith and passion, those broken pieces became the foundation for something stronger. My relationship with Jesus continues to guide my choices, shape my goals, and remind me that every step forward is part of a greater purpose. Wherever my educational journey leads, my faith will remain at the center. It is the compass that points me toward hope, the strength that carries me through challenges, and the reminder that Jesus loves all of our imperfections, just as He loved mine.

Growing up in a financially struggling household, I’ve learned to chase success not just with talent, but with persistence, faith, and heart. I’m proud to say that I am a girl who has earned every opportunity that has come my way. I’ve played six sports, participated in over 20 extracurriculars, and achieved both state and league-wide honors. But behind every win is a story of struggle, growth, and the kind of strength that makes me a “You Got It Girl.” I’ve been involved in competitive sports for most of my life, including volleyball, swimming, track and field, basketball, wrestling, dance and cheer. Volleyball has become my greatest passion—I hold one school record, three league-wide honors, and three state-wide honors. I’ve earned one collegiate volleyball scholarship so far and am working hard to earn more. In swimming, I hold three state records and am a six-time state champion. In track and field, I’ve qualified for state in six events and placed in two. Sports have taught me discipline, mental toughness, and the importance of never giving up, even when everything around me tells me to. The moment that tested that resilience came when my father lost his job and decided to start his own business. With no financial backup and no staff, he relied on my brother and I for everything. I worked long hours on job sites, traveling across states like Nebraska, Texas, and Colorado—often unpaid. At the same time, my father was battling unresolved anger, alcoholism, and the weight of a recent divorce. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. I felt like I was slowly losing the joy I once had in life, sports, and work. But I didn’t give up. Instead of staying stuck, I found another job—one that I loved—and slowly began to rebuild. I sat down with my dad and had one of the hardest but most important conversations of my life. I told him how much the pressure was affecting me. It was scary, but it led to growth—for both of us. We’re still working on things, but we’re better than we were. That chapter taught me how to advocate for myself, how to set boundaries, and how to keep showing up—even when it’s hard. The one constant through all of this has been my faith. I am a Christian, and I lead in my local youth group. I pray over my teams before games, and I try to live every day by God’s example. When I was in my lowest place, God gave me purpose and peace. He reminded me that I am chosen, loved, and strong enough to overcome anything. My faith isn’t something I keep in the background—it’s the foundation for how I live, lead, and love others. It gives me the strength to set big goals and chase them with confidence. That’s why I know this YGIG Scholarship would change my life. With my dad earning under $40,000 a year and my mom taking care of my autistic brother, money has always been tight. College is a huge financial burden, and this scholarship would allow me to attend school and compete as a student-athlete without the constant fear of needing five jobs just to stay afloat. It would support my training, gear, travel, and academic needs—freeing me to focus on the things that really matter: my sport, my education, and my future. I plan to major in Sports Nutrition and minor in Sports Business. I also want to become a licensed real estate agent. I’ve always believed in working hard, setting the bar high, and using my story to uplift others—especially young women who need to know they are not alone. The person I admire most is God. While He isn’t someone I can sit across from, He has guided every major decision in my life. His grace has pulled me out of some of my darkest moments, and His love is what keeps me moving forward. I live for something greater than myself—and that’s what keeps me grounded. I am proud to be an incoming collegiate volleyball player. I will be competing with the support of a partial athletic scholarship, but I am continuing to pursue more financial help to make the dream fully possible. Being a student-athlete means committing to excellence in the classroom, on the court, and in life. It means giving your all, even when you're tired. It means representing something bigger than yourself. Being chosen as a You Got It Girl Scholarship recipient and ambassador would be a huge honor. I don’t just want to wear the title—I want to live it. I want to represent resilience, leadership, and faith. I want to inspire the next generation of girls to fight for their dreams, even when the odds feel stacked against them.

As I prepare to attend university, play collegiate volleyball, and pursue a future in both sports nutrition and real estate, I know my beliefs, values, and ethics will be the foundation that guides every step of my journey in the business world. First and foremost, I am a Christian, and I actively live out my faith in both personal and public ways. I believe that faith is not something to be compartmentalized—it’s something that shapes how I treat others, how I make decisions, and how I carry myself in every setting, including business. I am a leader in my town’s youth group, and I often pray over our sports teams before games. These aren’t just traditions—they are reflections of my deep belief that success means nothing if it’s not aligned with purpose, character, and service. One of my greatest values is determination. Whether it’s setting the volleyball seasonal killing record, working two jobs, or being active in more than 20 extracurriculars, I’ve always pushed myself to go above and beyond. In the business world, this determination will translate to persistence, discipline, and a willingness to do the hard work that others might avoid. Whether I’m helping an athlete transform their nutrition or helping a family find their perfect home, I won’t settle for mediocrity—I’ll bring the same drive I’ve brought to the court, the classroom, and my community. Another core value I hold is integrity. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. As a future real estate agent and sports business professional, trust will be at the center of my work. Clients and partners need to know that my word means something—that I won’t cut corners or make decisions based solely on profit. My Christian faith teaches me to treat others with honesty, humility, and respect, and I plan to reflect those principles in every deal, negotiation, and relationship I build. Family is another guiding force in my life. Coming from a family that has faced financial struggles, I understand the value of hard work and the importance of supporting others. My parents have both sacrificed a lot, and I’ve learned how to lead with compassion while staying focused on my goals. This has taught me to never look down on someone based on their circumstances and to always lead with empathy in any professional or personal interaction. Finally, I value excellence—not just in performance, but in character. I set high standards for myself because I believe we honor God when we give our best. In sports, in business, and in life, I plan to strive for excellence not just for personal success, but so I can be a role model to others—especially young women who are chasing big goals like I am. In all, my beliefs, values, and ethics will not only guide me—they will define how I operate in the business world. I will lead with faith, serve with integrity, and pursue excellence with passion.

As a motivated student-athlete from a financially disadvantaged background, I believe that students like myself deserve opportunities such as scholarships or grants not because we expect a handout, but because we’ve proven our commitment to working hard, staying focused, and striving for success despite the odds. I am a multi-sport athlete who has earned both state and league-wide honors, including setting the volleyball seasonal killing record. I’m also involved in my community as Cheyenne County Young Miss, Cheyenne County Thresher Princess, and was honored as a homecoming candidate. Beyond athletics and leadership, I hold two jobs and actively work to earn more volleyball offers to pursue my dream of playing at the collegiate level. My ultimate goal is to become both a sports nutritionist and a real estate agent—careers that combine my love for athletics, health, and entrepreneurship. However, the road to get there has not been easy. I come from a family where both parents are divorced and financially strained. My father earns less than $40,000 a year and runs his own business, often taking me with him on work trips across Nebraska, Texas, Colorado, and more—not just to help, but to save on childcare and offer me real-world experience. My mother, who earns just slightly more, is a full-time caregiver to my younger autistic sibling. My father also cares for his elderly uncle, who suffers from dementia. Despite these challenges, I’ve never let circumstances define my limits. I am currently involved in nine extracurriculars and have participated in over twenty throughout my life. Balancing sports, work, academics, and leadership roles has taught me time management, resilience, and grit—skills I know will carry me far in college and beyond. Receiving support through this grant would be more than just financial aid—it would be a recognition of the years of effort, late nights, and sacrifices made not only by me, but by my family as well. It would allow me to focus more on my education and volleyball career, rather than constantly worrying about how I’ll afford books, meals, or travel to recruitment camps. With this opportunity, I will continue to push boundaries, pursue my dual career goals, and give back to my community and future teammates with the same dedication I’ve shown all my life. I’m not asking for a break—I’m asking for a chance to keep building on everything I’ve already started.